Denzel Washington is one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood right now, and luckily, several of his films are streaming on Netflix. Washington first gained attention on the TV series Holy elsewhere in the 1980s, and quickly began to rise in popularity with roles in films such as A soldier's story and Power. In 1990, Washington's role in Glory earned him his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, further solidifying his stardom. Since then, Denzel Washington has been nominated seven times for Best Actor and has appeared in some of the best films of the 21st century.
Most recently, Denzel Washington starred as Macrinus in Gladiator IIcreating a perfect reminder to revisit some of his past performances. Along with the dramatic prowess that Washington has displayed as Macrinus, Netflix also currently has several films streaming that include Denzel Washington's name as a producer rather than an actor, proving that his influence and knowledge in Hollywood goes beyond his on-screen appearances. Fans of Washington's recent appearance on the big screen will certainly enjoy Netflix's current offerings, which include some of Denzel Washington's best cinematic performances.
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The Equalizer 3 (2023)
Washington also served as producer of the third film in the Equalizer series.
Washington's newest film available on Netflix is ​​his 2023 film The equalizer 3. The equalizer 3 saw Washington reprise his role as Robert McCall, former Marine and DIA officer turned vigilante, as he tries to protect the people of a small Italian town from mob threats. The film is also the reunion of the fruitful partnership between Washington and director Antoine Fuquawho have worked together on several acclaimed and financially successful films since 2001 Training day. The equalizer 3The beautiful Italian setting and well-acted characters make it one of Denzel Washington's most entertaining action films.
Although Denzel Washington is great in all genres, many of his best-known roles have been in action films, and The equalizer 3 is no exception. Although some critics found the film's plot formulaic, citing its similarity to the previous two installments and other action films, The equalizer 3 received many positive reviews also for its fascinating action. As Equalizers 4 and 5 have already been announced by Washington, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the film's availability on Netflix to catch up on the series or watch it again.
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American gangster
American Gangster will leave Netflix on December 31st
American gangster is one of the highest-rated Denzel Washington films currently streaming on Netflix, and fans should take advantage of its availability before it leaves the streaming service at the end of December 2024. After its release in 2007 American gangster was a financial success, and as of December 2024, the film has grossed $269.8 million worldwide on a budget of $100 million (via Mojo Box Office). Likewise, the film received positive responses from critics, who liked the plot and the performances of main actors Washington and Russell Crowe.
Although the real Lucas has stated that the film is not, strictly speaking, very accurate, this does not prevent American gangster of being a great crime film with a great dramatic performance by Denzel Washington.
The biopic puts Washington's dramatic talents into action in his role as Frank Lucas, a real-life gangster and drug lord who supplied heroin to much of New York City and the surrounding area. Washington's Frank Lucas Is Perfectly Matched for Russell Crowe's Detective Richie Robertswho first pursues Lucas and then represents him as a lawyer. Although the real Lucas has stated that the film is not, strictly speaking, very accurate, this does not prevent American gangster of being a great crime film with a great dramatic performance by Denzel Washington.
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Safe House
Safe House will leave Netflix on December 31st
The 2012 film Safe House is another Denzel Washington action movie offering, and is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats with its thrilling twists and turns. Washington stars as Tobin Frost, a criminal and former CIA agent, who is kept in a safe house while he is interrogated. When the criminals who want Frost dead discover his location, he is forced to go on the run with agent Matt Weston to avoid his fate. While Safe House It seems simple at first, viewers will be entertained by the layers of secrets that reveal themselves as the film progresses.
However Safe House may not be as highly rated as Washington's Equalizer series, it's still a worthy watch for action fans. Washington's antihero Tobin Frost may be a criminal, but his attempts to expose the CIA's illegal missions keep the audience rooting for him throughout. What's more, Frost's uneasy alliance with Ryan Reynolds' Matt Weston really makes the film work, as both characters are unsure who they can trust, but in the end they are forced to work together. Sadly, Safe House leaves Netflix on December 31st, so fans should watch this one before it's gone.
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2 weapons
2 Guns will leave Netflix on December 31st
Denzel Washington added to his action film streak with the 2013 crime film 2 weapons alongside Mark Wahlberg. The R-rated action film sees the two movie stars teaming up as criminals who are secretly undercover agents from different US government agencies. Naturally, chaos ensues as the two men are forced to fight the CIA, the Navy, drug traffickers, assassins and more, as the film's pace never slows down. Like several other Denzel Washington films, 2 weapons will leave Netflix on December 31st, giving audiences just a few more weeks to enjoy.
2 weapons is as wild as an action movie could be, with endless twists and turns that sometimes border on comedy, and the characters themselves sometimes lean into that comedic aspect. With a moderate score of 64% from critics in Rotten tomatoesIt's neither the best nor the worst of Washington's films, but it's perfect for audiences looking for non-stop action. There is no real deeper meaning in this movie, which means that 2 weapons is ideal for fans who want to simply sit back and enjoy themselves.
5
Difficult lessons
The TV movie was one of Washington's first roles
Originally known as The story of George McKenna, Difficult lessons It was one of Washington's first roles and, despite being an unknown actor, his performance is still moving.. In Difficult lessonsWashington portrays George McKenna, a real individual who served as principal of George Washington Preparatory High School in Los Angeles from 1979 to 1988. The television film depicts McKenna's efforts to reform high school, particularly ridding it of gang violence and encouraging students to become more involved in their own academic well-being.
However Difficult lessons certainly not one of Washington's best-known films, It's worth watching because his performance in the film is indicative of the star he would become. The film drew attention to the hard work of a man who was able to make a difference in the lives of many people. The public should check The George McKenna Story on Netflix to see an underrated biographical performance from Denzel Washington who proved his talent early in his career.
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Giving voice
Giving Voice is a documentary featuring Denzel Washington
Giving voice is the only documentary featuring Denzel Washington currently streaming on Netflix, which makes it a unique watch. Giving voice centers on the 2018 August Wilson monologue competition, which sees thousands of teenagers converge on New York City in search of the chance to perform on Broadway. Washington appears in the documentary to add useful information about the competition and August Wilson, as well as expressing his respect for August Wilson and his works.
While Denzel Washington is by no means the main focus of the documentary, it makes sense that he would appear in it, given his admiration for August Wilson's plays. Wilson is best known for writing The Pittsburgh Cycle of parts, which includes Fences, Black Bottom by Ma Raineyand The piano lessonbetween others. These three pieces in particular are significant in Denzel Washington's career as he starred in or produced adaptations of all three. Giving voice is a great watch for audiences interested in learning more about the contest and its inspiration.
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The piano lesson
Denzel Washington served as producer of the piano lesson
Although Denzel Washington is not an actor in the Piano lessonhe served as the film's producer. Instead of, The piano lesson was directed by his son, Malcolm Washington, and starred his other son, John David Washington. The piano lesson is August Wilson's third adaptation of Washington and has already been well received by critics and the public. The film follows the Charles family as they debate whether Boy Willie should be able to sell his family's precious piano, as it represents all the things his family had to go through to get to that moment.
The piano lesson comes as part of Washington's plan to produce all of the films in the August Wilson series The Pittsburgh Cycle. Additionally, for Oscar-interested audiences, The piano lesson is a must-see because its positive reception has sparked speculation about whether it will earn a Best Picture nomination. This means that Denzel Washington could have a chance to win two Oscars at the upcoming awards ceremony, as his performance as Macrinus in Gladiator II could lead to a Best Supporting Actor nomination, and The piano lesson could receive a Best Picture nomination.
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Ma Rainey Black Bottom
Denzel Washington Served as Producer on Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
As Denzel Washington's most recently produced film, The Piano Lesson, Black Bottom by Ma Rainey was the previous film produced by Washington and the second in the cycle written by playwright August Wilson, after 2016 Fences. Ma Rainey Black Bottom centers on a recording session by singer Ma Rainey and her band, featuring fantastic performances by Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman and Colman Domingo.
Although Denzel Washington doesn't appear in the film, it's worth watching nonetheless, and his involvement in the film as a producer shows his continued interest in adapting The Pittsburgh Cycle.
The film is beautiful and tense, and viewers who watch the film on Netflix will quickly understand how Ma Rainey Black Bottom received so many awards and nominations after its release. Although Denzel Washington doesn't appear in the film, it's worth watching nonetheless, and his involvement in the film as a producer shows his continued interest in adapting The Pittsburgh Cycle. Ma Rainey Black Bottom pairs well with Washington's most recently produced film, The piano lesson, as the audience may be excited to see which piece Denzel Washington can adapt next.
Sources: Mojo Box Office & Rotten tomatoes